SUZUKI FAN

Maruti all set to go global with RIII,SX4 platform based MPV could get VW engines

Maruti’s big ticket entry into the large MUV/MPV space, the RIII could come out as early as the first half of 2011 (as bs motring say but at First we hear that it’s will be late 2011). According to sources, the company has already signed sourcing deals with its vendors and is looking at even exporting the MPV.

First shown at the 2010 Auto Expo, the RIII MPV will be a seven seater based on the SX4/Swift platform. Using an extended wheelbase and heavier componentry, the RIII is Suzuki’s way of hedging its risks as competition in the small car market, both in India and other markets increases.

High volumes are being quoted to vendors as the RIII is also being considered for other markets like Latin America and East Europe which are likely to be primary export targets.

The RIII is likely to be made at Maruti’s Gurgaon plant initially before production shifts to an expanded Manesar plant subsequently.  Sources also say that the global production of the RIII could be concentrated only in India with fully built units or knocked down kits exported to other markets. Suzuki’s significant shareholder Volkswagen could also be called on to then assemble the car for Latin America and the company is already assessing this.

Suzuki is convinced about bringing the RIII to markets like Brazil. But it will be interesting to see the outcome of the study from Volkswagen that will decide on the RIII being assembled at Volkswagen plants in Brazil.

The RIII could feature not just Suzuki engines, but also engines from the Volkswagen group who own a 19.9 per cent stake in the company. Since Suzuki has access to only the Multijet diesel engine from its lone plant in India, which too is running at full capacity, it makes both mechanical as well as economic sense for Suzuki to consider a diesel engine from VW. One of the likely contenders could be the 1.6-litre common rail diesel motor from the upcoming Vento with 105 bhp, though this is a matter of conjecture at this point. Suzuki’s 1.2-litre K Series engine(as bs mortoring say but we think 1.2 kb series is too small unless it get turbocharge) or its 1.6-litre VVT engine from the SX4 could be the most likely petrol powerplant.

According to sources, over 20 engineers had worked on the concept and that since the Auto Expo, the company is still to finalise the footprint and other engineering alterations

Suzuki RIII will appear at IIMS 2010 Indonesia International Motor Show,rumore to build locally

Suzuki Concept R3 Information and Picture Gallery

admin with some content from bs motoring

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